Korean War Legacy Project

Jesse Englehart

Bio

Jesse Englehart joined the Marine Corps in 1949 at age 18. After completing basic training, he attended Engineering School at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he trained as a Combat Engineer. From El Toro Air Base in California, he sailed to Kobe, Japan, and arrived in Busan, Korea, on August 4, 1950. During the Korean War, he actively called in airstrikes on enemy positions in major battles, including the Pusan Perimeter, Incheon Landing, Wonsan Landing, and Chosin Reservoir. After Korea, Englehart continued his military career, serving multiple tours in Vietnam. Later, he was assigned to the White House security detail at Camp David. He remained in the Marine Corps until his retirement in 1971.

Video Clips

Kill or Be Killed

Jesse Englehart recalls landing in Busan after a long, difficult voyage. He describes the personal hardship of life at sea and the abrupt shift to combat. Thrust into battle almost immediately, he quickly adapted to the harsh realities of war, drawing on his training and resilience to survive and lead effectively.

Tags: 1950 Pusan Perimeter, 8/4-9/18,Busan,Front lines,North Koreans,Weapons

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The Luxury of Food

Jesse Englehart describes a resourceful Master Sergeant who stood out from others. Unlike most units, this leader used a boat to secure food and even managed to acquire a freezer. Thanks to his efforts, the unit received quality meals on the front lines, boosting morale and setting their experience apart from the typical hardships of war.

Tags: Food,Front lines

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You Get Used to It

Jesse Englehart recalls South Korean troops beating a man to death with a baseball bat after discovering he was communicating with North Korea. He reflects on how, during war, soldiers grow numb to such violence, accepting it as part of daily life on the front lines.

Tags: 1950 Wonsan Landing, 10/25,Wonsan,Fear,Front lines,North Koreans,South Koreans,Weapons

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Taking a Hill

Jesse Englehart recalls taking a hill near the Chosin Reservoir, losing his helmet multiple times under intense enemy fire. He describes the relentless assault, including heavy weapons targeting his unit. Despite the chaos, he considers himself lucky to survive. Before withdrawing, they destroyed all remaining supplies to prevent the enemy from using anything they left behind.

Tags: 1950 Battle of Chosin Reservoir, 11/27-12/13,Yudamri,Chinese,Fear,Front lines,North Koreans,Weapons

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The Hazards of War

Jesse Englehart reflects on the war, admitting some memories have faded while others remain vivid. He recalls the weapons they used and the constant threat of death, which he describes as the “hazards of war.” Over time, certain details went blank, but other moments have stayed with him.

Tags: 1950 Battle of Chosin Reservoir, 11/27-12/13,Chinese,Front lines,Physical destruction,Weapons

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